Chelsea injury crisis forces summer signing into new role
Chelsea are enduring a stuttering start to the season despite a crucial 1-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League on 30 September.
Tyrique George was slammed by fans in his torrid performance against Benfica as the Blues limped across the line.
Former Premier League striker Matt Le Tissier exclusively told Football Insider on 1 October that Maresca is hiding his true feelings about his Chelsea players after back-to-back red cards in all competitions.
Tensions are high at Stamford Bridge as the narrow victory did little to improve the mood at the club, especially over the Italian’s frustrations over the recruitment of defenders.
Centre-back absentees compels Enzo Maresca to play Jorrel Hato in undesired role
In the wake of an array of injuries and suspensions to first-choice defenders, sources told Football Insider on 30 September that Chelsea are not planning to sign a centre-back in January.
The former Leicester City manager has been clear over his preference for a new addition to bolster the backline, with the club adamant that he must use what he has at his disposal.
One of the summer signings who has been deployed at the heart of the defence out of necessity is Jorrel Hato who has started just two matches in the Premier League and has underwhelmed on both occasions.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Chelsea’s Daily Mail reporter Kieran Gill clarified the Dutchman’s initial purpose when he was brought in.
He said: “They signed Hato to primarily act as a back-up for [Marc] Cucurella I was told. But obviously they’re having to use him as a centre-back with the absentees.”
In his only starts in the English top-flight, the former Ajax starlet has been utilised as a left-back and most recently as a centre-back against Brighton on 27 September.
Both appearances have been disappointing with the 19-year-old struggling to adapt to the Premier League.
Benoit Badiashile to make surprise comeback for Chelsea
Despite the glaring issues at the back for the Blues, the injury crisis has opened the door for Benoit Badiashile to force his way back into Maresca’s thinking.
The Frenchman was primarily used in the Conference League last season whilst battling injuries during last winter and last summer.
Yet, the 24-year-old was one of the standout performers against Benfica on 30 September, barely putting a foot wrong in an astute defensive showing.
The Italian boss would’ve been impressed by Badiashile’s composed display and this could provide some short-term respite in the Premier League with Trevoh Chalobah out for the clash against Liverpool on 4 October.